Which Bronx Communities are Ripe for Gentrification?

Manhattan is running out of neighborhoods for the hipsters to invade. The Bronx might be their next target. The $64,000 question is, which Bronx neighborhood will be first?

Riverdale is on the brink of being completely gentrified. Many Manhattan families with young children move to Riverdale since there are houses there. They have enough room to park their cars. Families also have excellent schools, public transportation, and a blend of small and chain stores. Many of these residents move to Riverdale rather than the South Bronx due to the negative images the latter always receives by the media. In addition, families would not have to worry about drugs or gangs ruining their streets.

Port Morris is kind of gentrified. But it's not like Williamsburg where hipsters dominate it ALL. They only live south of the Deegan Expressway. There are antique shops, furniture stores, and cafes. However, the gentrification won't spread because of what's on the other side of the Deegan, housing projects. The John Purroy Mitchel projects are located north of the Deegan. The hipsters must pass through them in order to get to 3rd Av-138th St subway station on the 6 line. In addition, there are many drug rehab centers in Mott Haven.

Speaking of Mott Haven, that might be gentrified thanks to the brownstones on Alexander Avenue. However, most of the drug rehab centers and housing projects surround it. On Alexander, Mitchel is south of 138th Street while Patterson and Mott Haven projects surround it to its north.

Bedford Park is another one due to the many schools west of the neighborhood. The "Educational Mile" features Walton and Clinton High Schools, PS 86, PS 340, Lehman College, and Bronx High School of Science. In addition, the neighborhood has easy access from many areas. The D train takes you to the West Side while the 4 serves the East Side. The Bx10 takes you to Riverdale, the Bx22 takes you to the Southeast Bronx, the Bx25, 26, and 28 take you to Coop City, the Bee-Line 4 takes you to Yonkers, and the Bee-Lines 20 and 21 take you to White Plains and Cross County Shopping Center. The Botanical Gardens are on the east side of Bedford Park. There is also a Metro-North station near the gardens.

There are other neighborhoods that will receive mentions, but save it for Part II.